Nov. 17, 2010

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland head coach Brett Nelligan announced today that Liz Garcia, Stephanie Giameo and Nicole Wright have signed National Letters-of-Intent to attend the University of Maryland and compete on the Terp gymnastics team in the 2011-12 season.

"We're excited to welcome yet another strong recruiting class to the University of Maryland," said Nelligan. "Liz, Nicole and Stephanie all have what it takes both athletically and academically to be Terps."

Garcia, a fourth-place Junior Olympic National finisher on bars, trains at NYC Elite Gymnastics in New York, N.Y. In May, she will graduate from New Yorks City's NEST+M, one of the area's top high schools. In 2010, Garcia placed second on bars and third all-around at the regional championships as a Level 10.

"Liz is an extremely taltented gymnast and has the ability to shine on all four events," said Nelligan. "She has one of the most difficult bar routines in the nation."

Giameo, a 2010 New Jersey state champion, trains at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus, N.J. A senior at Roselle Park High School, Giameo is a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and will graduate in May in the top 10 percent of her class. Giameo was a Junior Olympics National qualifier as a Level 10 in 2009, when she also was a bronze medalist on beam and floor at regionals.

"Steph is a solid competitor," said Nelligan. "She is the type of athlete you can count on in any situation and on all four events."

Wright, a former Elite competitor, trains at World Class Gymnastics in Newport News, Va. Wright finished first at vault and fourth at beams at the U.S. Classic. Suffering a season-ending injury in 2009, Wright is back on track as a Level 10 competitor this season and will graduate from Tabb High School this May.

"Nicole has that coveted combination of grace and power," said Nelligan. "We're looking for her to make an immediate impact on vault, beam and floor and eventually work her way into an all-around spot."

With an already strong core returning to next year's squad, the 2011-12 recruiting class will make for a very competitive team next season.

"Combining this recruiting class with the strong returners we have coming back next year, the future is bright for Maryland gymnastics," said Nelligan.

-ES-